Horizontal earth boring machine

Claim 2

A remote grade indicating apparatus for tunneling, jacking and boring into earth fill in the construction of subterranean passages, said apparatus comprising, in combination, sensing means for progressive extension into the earth fill; gauge means for location adjacent the earth fill and connected to the sensing means, said gauge means including read-out indicia for informing the operator of grade deviations of the sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on the sensing means for temporary support of a sight target for zeroing the gauge means with the sensing means at the outset of the progression into the earth fill.

Claim 3

The apparatus defined in claim 1 that includes a zero reference stake located adjacent said gauge means for relocation of said gauge means after it has been temporarily removed from its location adjacent the earth fill.

Claim 4

A remote grade indicating apparatus for tunneling, jacking and boring into earth fill in the construction of subterranean passages, said apparatus comprising, in combination, sensing means for progressive extension into the earth fill and including an inverted generally U-shaped fluid passage having a sensing means outlet; gauge means for location adjacent the earth fill and connected to the sensing means, said gauge means including read-out indicia responsive to the level of fluid in said fluid passage for informing the operator of grade deviations of the sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on the sensing means for temporary support of a sight target for zeroing the gauge means with the sensing means at the outset of the progression into the earth fill.

Claim 5

A remote grade indicating apparatus for tunneling, jacking and boring into earth fill in the construction of subterranean passages, said apparatus comprising, in combination, sensing means for progressive extension into the earth fill and including an inverted generally U-shaped fluid passage having a sensing means outlet; gauge means for location adjacent the earth fill and connected to the sensing means, said gauge means including read-out indicia responsive to the level of fluid in said fluid passage for informing the operator of grade deviations of the sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on the sensing means for temporary support of a sight target for zeroing the gauge means with the sensing means at the outset of the progression into the earth fill.

Claim 6

A remote grade indicating apparatus for tunneling, jacking, and boring into earth fill in the construction of subterranean passages, said apparatus comprising, in combination, sensing means for progressive extension into the earth fill and including a fluid passage for establishing a fluid level corresponding with grade deviations of the progression into the earth fill; gauge means for observation by the boring machine operator and including a gauge tube communicating with said fluid passage and containing a fluid, said gauge tube being provided with indicia, the level of the fluid in said gauge tube corresponding with said fluid level in said sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of progression into the earth fill.

Claim 7

A remote grade indicating apparatus for tunneling, jacking, and boring into earth fill in the construction of subterranean passages, said apparatus comprising, in combination, sensing means for progressive extension into the earth fill and including a fluid passage for establishing a fluid level corresponding with grade deviations of the progression into the earth fill; gauge means for observation by the boring machine operator and including a gauge tube communicating with said fluid passage and containing a fluid, said gauge tube being provided with indicia, the level of the fluid in said gauge tube corresponding with said fluid level in said sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of progression into the earth fill.

Claim 8

The apparatus defined in claim 4 wherein said fluid passage is of inverted generally U-shaped configuration.

Claim 9

A machine for conducting operations within an earth fill comprising, in combination, an apparatus for progressive extension into said earth fill; sensing means mounted on said apparatus; gauge means for locatIon adjacent the earth fill and connected to the sensing means, said gauge means including read-out indicia for informing the operator of grade deviations of the sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on the sensing means for temporary support of a sight target for zeroing the gauge means with the sensing means at the outset of the progression into the earth fill.

Claim 10

A machine for conducting operations within an earth fill comprising, in combination, an apparatus for progressive extension into said earth fill; sensing means mounted on said apparatus; gauge means for locatIon adjacent the earth fill and connected to the sensing means, said gauge means including read-out indicia for informing the operator of grade deviations of the sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on the sensing means for temporary support of a sight target for zeroing the gauge means with the sensing means at the outset of the progression into the earth fill.

Claim 11

The apparatus defined in claim 6 that includes a zero reference stake located adjacent said gauge means for relocation of said gauge means after it has been temporarily removed from its location adjacent the earth fill.

Claim 12

A machine for conducting operations within an earth fill comprising, in combination, an apparatus for progressive extension into said earth fill; sensing means mounted on said apparatus and including an inverted generally U-shaped fluid passage having a sensing means outlet; gauge means for location adjacent the earth fill and connected to the sensing means, said gauge means including read-out indicia responsive to the level of fluid in said fluid passage for informing the operator of grade deviations of the sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on the sensing means for temporary support of a sight target for zeroing the gauge means with the sensing means at the outset of the progression into the earth fill.

Claim 13

A machine for conducting operations within an earth fill comprising, in combination, an apparatus for progressive extension into said earth fill; sensing means mounted on said apparatus and including an inverted generally U-shaped fluid passage having a sensing means outlet; gauge means for location adjacent the earth fill and connected to the sensing means, said gauge means including read-out indicia responsive to the level of fluid in said fluid passage for informing the operator of grade deviations of the sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on the sensing means for temporary support of a sight target for zeroing the gauge means with the sensing means at the outset of the progression into the earth fill.

Claim 14

A machine for conducting operations within an earth fill comprising, in combination, an apparatus for progressive extension into said earth fill; sensing means mounted on said apparatus and including a fluid passage for establishing a fluid level corresponding with grade deviations of the progression into the earth fill; gauge means for observation by the boring machine operator and including a gauge tube communicating with said fluid passage and containing a fluid, said gauge tube being provided with indicia, the level of the fluid in said gauge tube corresponding with said fluid level in said sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on said apparatus for the support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of progression into the earth fill.

Claim 15

A machine for conducting operations within an earth fill comprising, in combination, an apparatus for progressive extension into said earth fill; sensing means mounted on said apparatus and including a fluid passage for establishing a fluid level corresponding with grade deviations of the progression into the earth fill; gauge means for observation by the boring machine operator and including a gauge tube communicating with said fluid passage and containing a fluid, said gauge tube being provided with indicia, the level of the fluid in said gauge tube corresponding with said fluid level in said sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on said apparatus for the support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of progression into the earth fill.

Claim 16

The apparatus defined in claim 9 wherein said fluid passage is of inverted generally U-shaped configuration.

Claim 17

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion for extension into the earth fill therewith; gauge means adjacent said power means and connected to said sensing means and provided with read-out indicia for informing the operator of grade deviations of said front casing end portion; means forming a shoulder on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of the boring operation; and reference means mountable on the earth fill adjacent the gauge means for establishing a stationary reference for the zero of said gauge means.

Claim 18

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion for extension into the earth fill therewith; gauge means adjacent said power means and connected to said sensing means and provided with read-out indicia for informing the operator of grade deviations of said front casing end portion; means forming a shoulder on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of the boring operation; and reference means mountable on the earth fill adjacent the gauge means for establishing a stationary reference for the zero of said gauge means.

Claim 19

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion and including a sensing means housing provided with an inverted generally U-shaped fluid passage having a sensing means outlet; gauge means adjacent said power means and provided with read-out indicia responsive tO the level of fluid in said fluid passage; and means forming a shoulder on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of the boring operation.

Claim 20

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion and including a sensing means housing provided with an inverted generally U-shaped fluid passage having a sensing means outlet; gauge means adjacent said power means and provided with read-out indicia responsive tO the level of fluid in said fluid passage; and means forming a shoulder on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of the boring operation.

Claim 21

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion for extension into the earth fill therewith; gauge means adjacent said power means and connected to said sensing means and provided with read-out indicia for informing the operator of grade deviations of said front casing end portion; and pin means on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of said boring operation.

Claim 22

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion for extension into the earth fill therewith; gauge means adjacent said power means and connected to said sensing means and provided with read-out indicia for informing the operator of grade deviations of said front casing end portion; and pin means on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of said boring operation.

Claim 23

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion and including a sensing means housing provided with an inverted generally U-shaped fluid passage having a sensing means outlet; gauge means adjacent said power means and provided with read-out indicia responsive to the level of fluid in said fluid passage; and pin means on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of said boring operation.

Claim 24

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion and including a sensing means housing provided with an inverted generally U-shaped fluid passage having a sensing means outlet; gauge means adjacent said power means and provided with read-out indicia responsive to the level of fluid in said fluid passage; and pin means on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of said boring operation.

Claim 25

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion and including a fluid passage for establishing a fluid level corresponding with grade deviations of said front casing end portion; gauge means for observation by the boring machine operator and including a gauge tube containing a fluid and indicia, the level of the fluid in said gauge tube corresponding with said fluid level in said sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of the boring operation.

Claim 26

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion and including a fluid passage for establishing a fluid level corresponding with grade deviations of said front casing end portion; gauge means for observation by the boring machine operator and including a gauge tube containing a fluid and indicia, the level of the fluid in said gauge tube corresponding with said fluid level in said sensing means; and means forming a shoulder on said sensing means for the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of the boring operation.

Claim 27

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion and including a fluid passage for establishing a fluid level corresponding with grade deviations of said front casing end portion; gauge means for observation by the boring machine operator and including a gauge tube communicating with said fluid passage and containing a fluid, the level of the fluid in said gauge tube corresponding with said fluid level in said sensing means; and pin means on said sensing means foR the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of said boring operation.

Claim 28

A horizontal earth boring apparatus comprising, in combination, track means; power means mounted on said track means for longitudinal advancement thereon, said power means including a casing pusher ring; casing means including a rear casing end portion engaged by said pusher ring and a front casing end portion; auger means extended into said casing means and including a rear auger end driven by said power means and a front auger end portion; sensing means mounted on said front casing portion and including a fluid passage for establishing a fluid level corresponding with grade deviations of said front casing end portion; gauge means for observation by the boring machine operator and including a gauge tube communicating with said fluid passage and containing a fluid, the level of the fluid in said gauge tube corresponding with said fluid level in said sensing means; and pin means on said sensing means foR the temporary support of a sight target for zeroing said gauge means with said sensing means at the outset of said boring operation.